West Midlands (Shropshire) based auctioneers, Mullock Madeley attracted record crowds, plus global commission bids, to their golf memorabilia auction, held on 18th July.
“The discerning collectors and investors were out in force – good quality items enjoyed a particularly buoyant trade. An autographed programme from the 1949 Open Championship, with names including Bobby Locke, Frank Stranahan and Percy Alliss, realised £580,” said John Mullock
A collection of programmes expected to fetch £200, more than doubled in value under the hammer, selling for £460. John Mullock explains: “The 15 programmes included Amateur Championship programmes from the mid 1950’s to early 1960’s; the Curtis Cup and the 100th Open Golf Championship. They are part of golf’s heritage and the price reflected that,” he added.
Top price was achieved for a Clarenden Golf Club silver medal, dated 1895, engraved with the motto “Far and Sure,” which attracted £1,050. “Rare, clubs, woods and putters commanded strong prices; an early track iron with thick hozel took an £850 price tag, while a scarce Waters Patent Spring Neck driver by Percy Hills, chipped to £700. Among the balls a Silver Town gutty, circa 1895 was putted in at £500.”
Quality books and paintings also sold well with Bernard Darwin’s – “The Golf Courses of the British Isles” – with painted illustrations by Rowntree, circa 1910, selling for £350. An original water-colour by George Houghton of the 17th hole at Rosemount, Blairgowrie, achieved £400.
“We are now on the look out for entries for our next major golfing sale, at the International Golf Expo 2000, at the NEC, Birmingham, in November” said John.